Tag Archives: Estero Llano Grande State Park

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Harry Potter, Scarlett O'Hara and other superheroes at last year's Halloween festivities at Texas state campgrounds

How, may you ask, of all the campgrounds in all the towns in all the world, Scarlett O’Hara walks into Harry Potter’s? It seems they share a common interest in the Spooky Science Fest — Protectors of the Park. The program is back for its sixth year at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, one of the many amazing Halloween programs at Texas state parks. You can get a full calendar at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website. Here’s a look at some of the fun that starts this weekend:

Saturday, Oct. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. Estero Llano Grande SP in the Rio Grande Valley, one of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s three world birding center sites, invites superheroes of all ages to save Texas State Parks and our natural and cultural resources, from the clutches of evil. There will be Superhero photos, a mad science lab, games, crafts, hay rides, live animals, costume contests, food and drinks. $6, $4 for children 12 and under and $2 for those with a Texas State Parks Passport. 956-565-3919. worldbirdingcenter.org.

Oct. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. Ray Roberts Lake State Park in Valley View invites little ghosts and goblins to the Johnson Branch unit of the park for the Spooky Critter Hike with family fun, candy, surprises and educational talk about critters of the night. Plus, each time you find a night critter with a ranger on the short hike, there will be a treat waiting for you. Participants are encouraged to dress up. RSVP at 940-637-2294. You can head back to Ray Roberts Oct. 27 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for the Great Pumpkin Carving Contest, where prizes will be awarded to the top three. (Bring your own pumpkin that’s already been carved, one entry per family.) Halloween treats and a spooky campfire session are included. Both events are free with state park entrance fees of $7 for ages 13 and up, free for 12 and younger.